Nearly $39 million to fight crime in Rochester

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced nearly $39 million in state funding for law enforcement and nonprofit organizations in Monroe County. She also directed the New York State Police to send additional resources to the region to further reduce gun violence and crime in the city of Rochester.

The State Police will provide county law enforcement with an additional 25 officers and investigators to handle public safety. County law enforcement agencies have also received a total of $24 million to purchase new technology and equipment to improve data and information sharing and enhance their crime-fighting capabilities.

“As I have said since day one, the safety of all New Yorkers is my top priority, and that is why we are here in Rochester to ensure this community and local law enforcement have the resources they need to keep the public safe,” said Governor Hochul. “While we have seen great progress in reducing crime overall in Rochester, Monroe County and across the state, more work remains to be done. I have directed the State Police to add more personnel to support the City of Rochester Police Department, and we are funding local law enforcement at record levels so they have the latest tools and equipment to prevent crimes and quickly solve them when they happen.”

The $24 million grant will be split between the Monroe County Sheriff's Office ($11.7 million) and nine police departments: Rochester ($10 million), Greece ($990,000); Brighton ($879,150), Irondequoit ($155,900), Gates ($140,000), Ogden ($67,185), Brockport ($46,765), East Rochester ($25,926) and Webster ($23,474). The funds will be used to purchase equipment such as license plate readers, mobile and fixed camera systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, data management systems, body-worn cameras and devices, and smart equipment for patrol cars and police officers.

“Rochester's crime and violence rates continue to trend in the right direction, thanks in large part to our partners who work with us and invest in grassroots programs that bring healing and empowerment to our community,” said Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans. “We are extremely grateful to Governor Hochul and our delegation in the New York State Legislature for their tireless commitment to Rochester and their help in securing this critical funding. By continuing to focus on the successful crime-fighting strategies of prevention, intervention and suppression, we are creating a safe, just and prosperous Rochester by inspiring hope and creating opportunity for all.”

Hochul also announced that 585 SNUG and five other programs – Healers Village, Rise Up Rochester, Roc The Peace, Untrapped Ministries and City of Rochester Pathways to Peace – will each receive $50,000 in new funding to support their work, which includes conflict resolution, mediation, coaching, advocacy and mental health services for youth and families.